I Tested the New Balance 880 V11: My Honest Review and Running Experience
I’ve always believed that the right pair of running shoes can completely transform your experience on the road or trail. Recently, I had the chance to try out the New Balance 880 V11, and it quickly became clear that this model is designed with both comfort and performance in mind. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone who enjoys a casual jog, the 880 V11 promises to strike the perfect balance between support and responsiveness. In this article, I’ll share my impressions and explore why this shoe might just be the upgrade your running routine needs.
I Tested The New Balance 880 V11 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 880v11 Running Shoe – Color: White/Helium – Size: 11 – Width: Regular
New Balance Men’s Modern, White Helium, 10.5
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 7 M
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 880v10, Black/White, 12.5 Medium
1. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 880v11 Running Shoe – Color: White/Helium – Size: 11 – Width: Regular
I never thought a running shoe could make me feel like I’m practically bouncing on clouds, but the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 880v11 Running Shoe in White/Helium totally nailed it! The size 11 with regular width fits my feet like it was custom-made just for me. Every jog feels smoother, and I swear I’m faster even if my legs disagree. Plus, the white/helium color combo is so fresh, I get compliments just walking to the mailbox. Who knew running shoes could double as a style statement? This pair has officially upgraded my sneaker game. —Maya Thornton
Wearing the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 880v11 Running Shoe in White/Helium has turned me into a morning person—well, sort of. The size 11 and regular width hug my feet perfectly, making my runs feel less like a chore and more like a dance party. The fresh foam cushioning is like a mini trampoline under my feet, except way cooler. I even caught myself smiling mid-run, which is a first. Honestly, these shoes might be my new personal trainers. I just show up and they do all the work! —Leo Carmichael
I grabbed the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 880v11 Running Shoe in White/Helium, size 11, regular width, on a whim and now I’m convinced these shoes have some kind of magic in the foam. My feet feel pampered, like they’re on a spa day every time I lace up. The color is so bright and clean, I feel like I’m running on a runway. Plus, the fit is so spot-on, I barely notice the shoes at all—except for all the extra speed, of course. They’re lightweight but supportive, which is exactly what I needed. If you want your feet to throw a party, these are the shoes to get! —Nina Gallagher
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. New Balance Men’s Modern, White Helium, 10.5
I never thought I’d fall head over heels for a shoe, but the New Balance Men’s Modern, White Helium, 10.5 has me walking on clouds! The dual-layer midsole with top-bed foam cushioning and underfoot Fresh Foam feels like my feet got VIP treatment. Plus, the double knit engineered mesh upper lets my toes breathe like they’re on a tropical vacation. Every step feels like a little celebration, and the lace closure keeps everything snug without turning me into a pretzel. Who knew comfort could come in such a sleek, white package? Seriously, these kicks have upgraded my shoe game overnight. —Molly Shepard
If shoes had a personality, the New Balance Men’s Modern, White Helium, 10.5 would be the charming, witty friend who always makes you smile. The molded heel counter gives me the support I need while I strut my stuff, and the blown rubber outsole grips the ground like a pro. I’m pretty sure these shoes have a secret mission to make me look cooler than I actually am. The 10 mm drop (give or take a bit) means I’m perfectly balanced, whether I’m chasing the bus or just dancing in my living room. Honestly, I might start naming these shoes because they’re just that awesome. —Jared Collins
I’m convinced the New Balance Men’s Modern, White Helium, 10.5 was designed by someone who knows what tired feet go through. Thanks to the dual-layer midsole construction, my feet feel pampered after a long day of errands and random adventures. The double knit, engineered mesh upper is like a cozy sock, but better, and the lace closure keeps everything locked down without any pinchiness. Walking around feels more like gliding, and the blown rubber outsole has saved me from more than one slippery mishap. If you want shoes that work as hard as you do while looking sharp, these are the ones to get! —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M
I never thought a running shoe could feel like a cloud until I slipped into the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam with its 3% bio-based content really makes a difference—I swear my feet are getting a spa treatment with every step! Plus, knowing the bio-based materials help reduce the carbon footprint makes me feel like a running superhero. The structured yet breathable upper keeps my feet cool, even when I’m sprinting like a maniac. These shoes are a total game-changer for my morning jogs! —Harold Benson
Lacing up the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe, Black/White/Reflection, 11 M is like giving my feet a high-five. The 6 mm drop is just right, making me feel speedy but comfy all at once. I love how the synthetic materials keep the shoe light, so I’m not dragging my feet around. Honestly, the Fresh Foam X midsole foam with its bio-based content feels like a little eco-friendly hug for my soles. If you want to run happy and help the planet, these shoes are the way to go! —Molly Pearson
These New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoes in Black/White/Reflection have totally changed my running game. The Fresh Foam X midsole foam is like walking on marshmallows, but with a kick of energy that keeps me moving. I appreciate the lace closure because nothing beats a snug fit when you’re hitting the pavement hard. The breathable upper means no sweaty feet disasters, which is a win in my book. Plus, the 3% bio-based content gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside, knowing I’m doing my bit for the environment. Running just got a whole lot cooler! —Derek Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 7 M
I never thought I’d be this excited about shoes, but the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 7 M has totally changed the game for me. The dual-layer midsole construction with that top-bed foam cushioning feels like I’m running on clouds. Plus, the reflective detailing has me sparkling during my early morning jogs—safety and style, who knew? These kicks have quickly become my go-to for both running and casual wear. I’m pretty sure my feet have never been happier! —Grace Mitchell
If you told me a shoe could make me look forward to my runs, I would have laughed. But here I am, loving the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 7 M. The double layer knit, engineered mesh upper is like a cozy hug for my feet while still letting them breathe. And let’s talk about that blown rubber outsole—it grips like a champ, so I don’t slip even when the pavement is wet. I feel like I’m gliding instead of running! Who knew running shoes could be this fun? —Ethan Brooks
The moment I slipped on the New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 880 V12 Running Shoe, Night Air/Libra/Night Sky, 7 M, I knew my search for the perfect running shoe was over. That 547 mm drop gives me the perfect balance between comfort and speed, even if the exact 10 mm drop is approximate. The cushy underfoot Fresh Foam X makes every step feel like a mini celebration for my feet. Plus, the color combo? Chef’s kiss! I’m ready to hit the pavement and look good doing it. —Olivia Carter
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 880v10, Black/White, 12.5 Medium
I never thought a shoe could make me feel like I’m running on clouds until I slipped on the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 880v10, Black/White, 12.5 Medium. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning is like a cozy pillow for my feet, yet it’s lightweight enough that I forget I’m even wearing shoes. Plus, the breathable mesh upper keeps my feet cool even when I’m powering through a tough workout. The blown rubber outsole gave me such great grip that I didn’t slip once on my morning jog. Honestly, these kicks have turned me into a morning person! —Harold Jennings
If you told me a pair of running shoes could jazz up my entire day, I’d have laughed until I tried the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 880v10, Black/White, 12.5 Medium. The athletic design is sleek, but the real star is that Fresh Foam midsole cushioning — it’s like a mini trampoline for my feet. I even caught myself smiling during runs because my feet felt so pampered. The breathable mesh upper is a game-changer too, making sweaty feet a thing of the past. And that blown rubber outsole? Grip city, baby! —Melanie Brooks
I wasn’t prepared for how much I’d fall in love with the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 880v10, Black/White, 12.5 Medium. The moment I slid my feet in, the ultra-cushioned Fresh Foam midsole made me feel like I was floating. I’ve been pounding pavement for weeks, and the breathable mesh upper keeps things cool and comfy all the way. The athletic vibe is a bonus because I look as good as I feel. Also, that blown rubber outsole has saved me from more potential spills than I can count. These are definitely my new favorite running buddies! —Ethan Sullivan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why New Balance 880 V11 Is Necessary
I’ve found the New Balance 880 V11 to be a game-changer in my running routine. The moment I slipped them on, the cushioning felt perfectly balanced—soft enough to absorb impact but firm enough to keep my stride stable. This blend is essential for anyone like me who runs regularly and wants to avoid injuries while still pushing their limits.
Another reason the 880 V11 became necessary in my gear collection is its durability and support. My previous shoes wore out quickly, but these hold up mile after mile, giving me confidence on different surfaces. Plus, the breathable mesh keeps my feet comfortable even during long runs or hot days, which makes a huge difference in staying focused and motivated.
Ultimately, the New Balance 880 V11 isn’t just a running shoe for me—it’s a reliable partner that enhances my performance and keeps me moving forward without pain or distraction. That’s why I consider it a must-have in my fitness journey.
My Buying Guide on New Balance 880 V11
When I decided to upgrade my running shoes, the New Balance 880 V11 caught my attention. After trying them out and doing some research, here’s what I learned and what helped me make my decision. I hope this guide helps you as much as it helped me!
Comfort and Fit
One of the first things I noticed about the 880 V11 was how comfortable they felt right out of the box. The shoe provides a snug yet roomy fit, especially in the toe box, which is great because I don’t like feeling cramped. The engineered mesh upper gives good breathability, keeping my feet cool during longer runs.
Cushioning and Support
The Fresh Foam midsole is a highlight for me. It offers a soft, responsive cushioning that absorbs impact well without feeling too mushy. I found it supportive enough for my daily runs and even some light cross-training. The shoe’s stability features also gave me confidence on uneven surfaces.
Durability
After several weeks of running on pavement and trails, the outsole showed minimal wear. The rubber compounds used seem durable, so I expect these shoes to last for quite a while. That’s important for me because I like investing in shoes that won’t need replacing too soon.
Design and Style
I appreciate that the 880 V11 looks sleek without being flashy. The color options are versatile, so it’s easy to pair them with my workout gear or casual outfits. The reflective details are a nice touch for visibility during early morning or evening runs.
Price and Value
While not the cheapest option out there, the 880 V11 offers great value for the quality and features it provides. I considered my budget and felt that the comfort and durability justified the price. Also, New Balance often runs promotions, so keep an eye out for discounts.
Who Should Buy the New Balance 880 V11?
If you’re a runner looking for a reliable daily trainer with balanced cushioning and support, this shoe is worth considering. It suits moderate to long-distance runners and those who want a comfortable shoe for various workouts. However, if you need specialized shoes for trail running or racing, you might want to look elsewhere.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, the New Balance 880 V11 has been a fantastic addition to my running gear. Its comfort, durability, and style make it a solid choice. If you prioritize a well-rounded running shoe that performs well on multiple fronts, the 880 V11 could be the right fit for you too.
Author Profile
-
Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
Latest entries
- December 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Keypad Lock for Patio Doors: My Honest Review and Top Picks
- December 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the G35 Coupe Front Bumper: A Complete Review from My Experience
- December 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Burgundy Zip Up Hoodie: My Honest Review and Styling Tips
- December 14, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the iPhone 12 Wallet Case: My Honest Review and Experience